5 Best Things to do in Philadelphia, PA

The City of Brotherly Love has no shortage of activities to keep even the most ambitious traveler occupied. Philadelphia’s deep history, vibrant neighborhoods, world-class food scene and fun nightlife are just some of the notable things about this urban destination.

Here are the 5 best things to do in Philadelphia, PA:

1. Explore Old City and the Independence Mall

No trip to Philly is complete without a visit to the Independence Mall and historical Old City. Walk the cobblestone streets or take a horse-drawn carriage around the loop, seeing famous sights like The Liberty Bell Center, the National Constitution Center, Independence Hall and the Bourse. Strolling around Old City will also bring you to Franklin Court, Elfreth’s Alley and the Betsy Ross house, among other historical buildings.

2. Get a Cheesesteak

While it’s almost a no-brainer that you’ll need to get a cheesesteak while in Philadelphia, the real question is which landmark purveyor you’ll choose. Longtime battles between cheesesteak makers in Philadelphia has made the choice nearly impossible, so you might need to nosh on more than one of these local delicacies. Pat’s, Geno’s, Jim’s and Tony Luke’s rank among the top contenders for best cheesesteak in Philly.

3. Imitate Rocky at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Even if you don’t actually go into the Philadelphia Museum of Art (though you should), take a Rocky-inspired jog up the infamous front steps of this iconic building. Also make sure to get your picture taken with the Rocky statue at the base of the steps.

4. Check Out Some Museums

Philadelphia has plenty of museums, so there is sure to be one to suit your fancy. The Mutter Museum features medical oddities and a huge collection of skulls, while the Please Touch Museum will keep kids occupied for hours.

5. Expand Your Horizons

If you’re able to travel a few miles outside of Philadelphia, you can explore the rest of what the surrounding area has to offer. Valley Forge National Park, Longwood Gardens, and the wine trails are all within a short driving distance of the city.